Summary
A 37-year-old defense contractor was denied a DoD security clearance due to concerns under Guidelines E (Personal Conduct), G (Alcohol Consumption), H (Drug Involvement), and J (Criminal Conduct). The denial stemmed from a history of illegal drug use, excessive alcohol consumption, and the falsification of information on her security clearance application.
The applicant's drug use included marijuana from 1976 to 1995, cocaine from 1978 to 1979, crack cocaine in 1988 and again from February to May 1993, and single instances of hallucinogenic mushrooms, Quaaludes, and PCP in 1978 and 1977, respectively. She also used amphetamine or methamphetamine twice in 1977. In 1988, she received medical treatment for a condition diagnosed as "substance abuse."
The applicant submitted a National Agency Questionnaire (NAQ) on January 13, 1995, certifying her answers were true and complete. However, she failed to disclose her possession and use of various drugs, including marijuana, which she was still using at the time of signing. This intentional falsification, combined with her drug abuse and excessive alcohol consumption, led the judge to conclude that her reliability and judgment were compromised, resulting in the denial of her security clearance.
Why the applicant was denied
- The applicant had a long history of illegal drug use, including marijuana and cocaine, which constituted drug abuse.
- The applicant knowingly and willfully falsified material information on her National Agency Questionnaire and a sworn statement regarding her drug use.
- The applicant's excessive alcohol consumption and history of substance abuse treatment raised further concerns about her reliability.
Conditions referenced
- E2.A2.2.2raisedDeliberate Omission, Concealment, or Falsification of Relevant and Material Facts
- E2.A2.3.1raisedDeliberately Providing False or Misleading Information
- H1.A1.1raisedAny Drug Abuse
- H1.A1.2raisedIllegal Drug Possession, Including Purchase, Sale
- J1.A1.1raisedAny Criminal Conduct, Regardless of Whether the Person Was Formally Charged
- G2.A2.3raisedDiagnosis by a Credentialed Medical Professional of Alcohol Abuse or Alcohol Dependence
- H2.A2.4rejectedSatisfactory Completion of a Drug Treatment Program Prescribed by a Credentialed Medical ProfessionalThe applicant completed a one-week detoxification program but continued drug use afterward.
- G2.A2.1rejectedThe Crime Was an Isolated IncidentThe applicant's substance abuse and dishonesty were not isolated incidents.
Key rule quoted
“The Government must be able to repose a high degree of trust and confidence in persons granted access to classified information.”
Procedural posture
- SOR issuedJan 19, 1996
- Answer filedFeb 13, 1996Applicant elected to have the case determined on a written record.
- Hearing held—No hearing; case determined on written record.
- Decision dateNov 13, 1996
Cite for
- Denial Based on Extensive Drug Use and Falsification of Application Information
- Impact of Dishonesty on Security Clearance Eligibility
- Consideration of Substance Abuse History in Security Clearance Determinations